Participation doubles as Kabaka Coronation Badminton tournament ends in style

The 2026 Kabaka Coronation Badminton Tournament ended with a colorful prize award ceremony at CFK Badminton Academy in Kisasi, where top winners walked away with giant trophies, certificates, and cash prizes for professional players.

This was the second edition of the sporting event, among the many organized by various national federations to mark the annual celebrations of the Buganda Kingdom's coronation. The climax of the coronation ceremony is July 31 at Watoto Church in Bweyogerere.

The Buganda Kingdom Minister for Cabinet Affairs and Protocol in the Office of the Katikkiro, Noah Kiyimba, hailed Badminton Uganda for its commitment to developing young talent, describing the youth as the foundation of the sport's future, based on the large numbers that took part in the three-day competition.

Kiyimba, who represented the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, also praised the organizers for bringing together players of all ages during the competition held at the CFK Badminton Academy in Kisasi.

Participation in this year's tournament rose significantly from 450 players in 2025 to 655 competitors. The event featured boys and girls aged 9 to 19, elite players competing for national team places, corporate teams, and veteran men and women.

"I applaud parents for encouraging their children to take up badminton because of the many opportunities the sport offers. Several players have earned scholarships and bursaries from primary school all the way to university through badminton," Kiyimba said.

He also commended Badminton Uganda for prioritizing youth development, saying it aligns with the vision of the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.

"Kabaka has dedicated this era to empowering the youth, and he is a great supporter of sports. It is encouraging to see young players competing alongside veterans because this creates continuity, just like the ecosystem of a forest where every generation supports the next," he added while presenting awards to the outstanding performers.

Badminton Uganda Chairperson Annet Nakamya revealed that the federation plans to construct a national badminton academy and appealed to the Buganda Kingdom to support the project by allocating land.

"We want to establish an international-standard badminton facility, but our biggest challenge is the lack of land. Our dream is to make Uganda one of Africa's leading badminton hubs," Nakamya said.

Badminton Uganda Chief Executive Officer Simon Mugabi said the annual tournament has become a unifying platform that brings together players from all categories. He thanked parents, clubs, and corporate organizations for supporting the event.

"This tournament continues to unite the badminton family and provides an opportunity for players of all ages and levels to compete together," Mugabi said.

Players from Mbogo High School, Seroma Christian High School, Kibuli Secondary School, and Kakungulu Memorial School dominated the schools' competitions, winning the majority of the medals.

In the men's elite singles final, Muzafar Lubega defeated Joshua Ekochu 2-0, while Tracy Naluwoza beat Olivia Nakajja 2-0 to win the women's singles title.

In the corporate category, Kampala Badminton Academy emerged champions ahead of City Tyres, Centenary Bank, and Ndejje University, who finished second, third, and fourth respectively.

Other sports events organized to mark the coronation of the Buganda Kingdom included a one-day Tug of War competition held amongst all 18 Masaza teams that competed in the Sunday meet at various grounds.